In 2022, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $150 million to the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego. This gift combines current infrastructure with new Centers intended to leverage the advantages of space-based science, including expansion and, in some ways, quite literally launch stem cell research and regenerative medicine at UC San Diego into new spaces, endeavors, and training of future stem cell scientists.

Sanford Stem Cell Institute provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, daily Sanford Stem Cell Institute personnel work with all 9 Vice Chancellor areas: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning. As part of UC San Diego, Sanford Stem Cell Institute motivates University-wide change, sustainability, and partnership, focusing on creating the structure under which various innovative regenerative medicine units and initiatives are developed.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute builds upon a $100 million gift in 2013 from T. Denny Sanford that established UC San Diego as a leader in developing and delivering the therapeutic promise of human stem cells - special cells with the ability to develop into many different cell types and which, when modified and repurposed, have the potential to treat, remedy or cure a vast array of conditions and diseases.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute includes six (6) stem cell Centers led by Center Directors and Deputy Directors.

1.Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Center, for stem cell research that will be conducted in a laboratory bay located aboard the International Space Station currently in low-Earth orbit.

2.Sanford Stem Cell Fitness and Space Medicine Center, which conducts in-depth space fitness and orbital medicine that can benefit both astronauts and people living on Earth.

3.Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center, which will support regenerative medicine company development, including contract research in low-Earth orbit.

4.Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center, which conducts basic and translational stem cell research.

5.Sanford Advanced Therapy Center, which provides fundamental tools and services to move basic research findings to next stages, such as early phase trials.

6.Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, which conducts research to accelerate relevant drug and therapy development in regenerative medicine, including clinical trials.

Under direction of the Director of Marketing & Communications, the Senior Scientific Writer will blend solid scientific writing expertise, media strategy, project management skills, and good judgment to advance the profile of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to both internal and external audiences and lead all marketing and communications efforts. Incumbent will facilitate scientific writing to support the six centers and the brain tumor program within the Sanford Stem Cell Institute.

This position will organize, analyze, and interpret complex medical, scientific, and/or technical data, to produce clear, cogent, narratives by applying scientific knowledge to translate medical, scientific, and technical language into easily understood concepts. They will oversee various comprehensive communications campaigns and serves as specialist. This position will help to enforce and reinforce polices, objectives and makes sure all materials being generated are within the strategic marketing plan (from SSCI Director).

This position will be write blogs, scientific content, for our website, social media, etc to promote the SSCI. They will be responsible for incorporating digital strategies to promote research programs and services. The decisions made by this position will require minimal oversight.

Independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a unit or school with a large, complex communications program requiring a wide variety of communications media, including written, visual, digital and electronic, and associated technical applications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategy for a highly visible program.

• Nine years of related experience, education/training, OR an Bachelor's degree in related area plus five years of related experience/training.

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications.

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of technical applications to direct professional technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. Proven track record with writing about complex scientific studies for a general audience.

• Advanced knowledge of the organization, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education and / or health sciences. Experience working with scientists.

• Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long and short term strategic communication plans. Demonstrated ability to appropriately handle highly sensitive and confidential situations and matters with internal and external stakeholders.

• Advanced skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding to inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues or information.

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.

• Demonstrated success and skill at researching, analyzing and evaluating information to develop long form content.

• Degree or certificates in biology, health communications, or related science strongly preferred.

• Experience working in a scientific research environment.

• Must be willing to work various hours/during weekends/evenings as required based on business needs.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.